Generic Name: doravirine

Pronunciation: pif-EL-tro

Abbreviation: N/A

Other Market Name: N/A

Drug Class: Non-Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs)

Company: Merck & Company

Approval Status: Approved

Generic Version Available: No

Experimental Code: MK-1439

Drug Recommendation

Pifeltro has not yet been reviewed for inclusion in the DHHS list of recommended HIV treatments.

General Info

Pifeltro is an HIV medication. It is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Pifeltro was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use by people living with HIV in August 2018. 

Pifeltro is available as a single drug or as a component of a single-tablet regimen,

Delstrigo.

Pifeltro must be used in combination with other HIV drugs.

Dosage

Adult Dose: One 100mg tablet once a day.

For adults using the antibiotic rifabutin, the dose is one 100mg tablet every 12 hours.

Pediatric Dose: N/A

Dosing Info: Take with or without food.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Pifeltro include nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal pain and abnormal dreams.

Drug Interactions

For a review of drug interactions, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements that should not be taken with Pifeltro or may require dose adjustments, consult the Pifeltro package insert: https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/p/pifeltro/pifeltro_pi.pdf

Among the drugs that should not be used at the same time as Pifeltro:

  • the anticonvulsants carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin
  • the androgen receptor inhibitor enzalutamide
  • the antimycobacterials rifampin, rifapentine
  • the cytotoxic agent mitotane
  • John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Other Info

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, liver disease (including hepatitis B), or a history of depression/suicidal thoughts. In addition, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, if you are breast feeding, and all your medical conditions, including all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you are taking.

For More Info: https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/p/pifeltro/pifeltro_pi.pdf

Co-Pay Program Info: https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/drug-assistance-programs

Patient Assistance Program Info: https://www.poz.com/basics/hiv-basics/drug-assistance-programs

Last Reviewed: August 30, 2018